The OSB Center is closed to visitors and operating with reduced staff on site, with other staff working remotely. Although we are taking all steps possible to avoid business interruption, you may experience some delay or interruption due to reduced on-site staff. The best way to reach us will be through email. We appreciate your patience during this time.
Participation at live events sponsored by the OSB CLE Seminars Department will be limited to webcasting (if available) until further notice.
You can also check our events calendar see the status of bar events. If you have questions, please contact the OSB CLE Service Center at (503) 431-6413 or (800) 452-8260, ext. 413 for webcasting, on-demand, or CD/DVD options that may be available.
Groups can offer in-person attendance in accordance with the Events and Meetings Guidelines. If you have questions, please contact Danielle Edwards, Director of Member Services, at dedwards@osbar.org.
The PLF has several webinars and hundreds of free CLEs available on its Past CLE web page. Check the Upcoming CLE page for future events, to be held remotely via Zoom webinar.
The PLF practice management attorneys are available to assist you by phone, email, or video chat.The OAAP is open and seeing clients remotely by phone or video chat. You can reach the attorney counselors by phone or email.
The OAAP is holding three weekly confidential recovery support groups via Zoom. For more information about the meetings, please contact attorney counselors Doug Querin, at (503) 226.1057, ext. 12, or at douglasq@oaap.org, or Bryan Welch, ext. 19, or at bryanw@oaap.org.The Chief Justice has issued CJO 21-025, which updates directives related to court health and safety measures put in place due to COVID. (6-28-21)
The Chief Justice has issued CJO 21-016, which sets out specific exceptions to the court's existing face coverings requirement. Additional information is available in the accompanying letter from the Chief Justice. (5-26-21)
Chief Justice Martha Walters issues CJO 21-009 on Court Operations (3-12-21)
A letter to OSB Members from Chief Justice Martha Walters. (3-12-21)
Chief Justice Martha Walters has issued CJO 21-009 updating current operations and restrictions in place during the COVID-19 state of emergency. The order is effective Monday, March 15, 2021.
Chief Justice Martha Walters has written a Letter to Oregon Bar Members (3/12/21), providing additional explanation and information on court operations during the continuing pandemic.
A letter to OSB Members from Chief Justice Martha Walters. (12-18-20)
Chief Justice Martha Walters has issued CJO No. 20-047, imposing in-person restrictions on court operations during the statewide “freeze.” (11-18-20)
Chief Justice Order No. 20-045, regarding the use of protective face coverings in the Oregon state courts. (10-28-20)
Chief Judge Order No. 20-03 (Third Amended), regarding procedural changes in the Oregon Court of Appeals due to COVID-19. (10-29-20)
Chief Justice Martha Walters has issued CJO No. 20-041, extending statutory time periods and time requirements in DUII diversions. (10-16-20)
OJD has enhanced its Online Forms Center and updated court rules to permit the electronic submission of filings relating to certain types of restraining orders. The changes take effect on Sept. 1, 2020.
Chief Justice Martha Walters has written a message to OSB members regarding the continuing impact of COVID-19 on court operations. (7/31/20)
The Oregon Supreme Court has announced a public meeting on Tuesday, August 4, regarding the October 2020 remotely administered bar exam. (7/31/20)
Chief Justice Martha Walters has issued three orders regarding court operations. (7/21/20)
The Oregon Supreme Court has issued SCO 20-012, approving the process for admission to the OSB in 2020. (6-30-20)
The Chief Justice has issued order, CJO 20-017, directing court closures on May 29, June 26 and July 17. (5/22/20)
Chief Justice Martha Walters has issued an order on court operations, along with a summary of changes in the order and a message to OSB members. (5/15/20)
The Chief Justice has written a letter to bar members regarding court operations during the pandemic. (4/20/20)
Chief Justice Order, CJO 20-014, gives the OSB’s CEO authority to waive reinstatement fees for members who can establish that their suspensions occurred for good cause related to the COVID-19 pandemic. A Reinstatement Fee Waiver Request Form can be found here.(4/15/20)
Chief Justice Martha Walters issued two orders: CJO No. 20-012, requiring scheduling of habeas corpus hearings, and CJO No. 20-013, amending OSB rules for admission during the COVID-19 outbreak. Earlier, she issued an amended CJO 20-006, which extends and modifies the original order issued on March 16. In addition, CJO 20-008 modifies the UTCR and expands e-signature authority, and CJO 20-010 authorizes suspension/waiver of collection fees. An OJD News Release summarizes the three CJO’s, and the Chief Justice has also asked us to share a new message to bar members. (4/10/20)
The Oregon Supreme Court has issued new guidance on changes to procedures through a Chief Justice Order and a notice. (3/31/20)
The Chief Justice issued an emergency order, CJO 20-009, amending the OSB Rules of Admission and Rules of Procedure. (3/27/20)
Chief Justice message to OSB members (3/24/20)
Chief Justice message to Legislature (3/24/20)
Statement from Chief Justice. (3/24/20)
Oregon Court of Appeals
Chief Judge Order 20-03 details procedural changes in the Court of Appeals due to COVID-19. (4/27/20)
The court issued a Chief Judge Order on March 30, 2020.
Oregon Judicial Department
Oregon Judicial Department: OJD is offering webinars covering the UTCR amendments on filing trial exhibits electronically and declarations that are electronically signed by non-filers, along with general File & Serve functionality.
Use the “Select Your Court” tab to see the latest news from individual courts on the OJD website.
OJD has announced changes consistent with the Chief Justice Orders issued on Friday, March 27. In addition, the OJD File & Serve upgrade that was scheduled to occur on April 10 has been postponed.
Other Oregon Courts: Check Local Websites for Complete Information
Multnomah County Circuit Court
U.S. District Court for the District of Oregon
Office of Administrative Hearings
Oregon Psychiatric Security Review Board
Message to attorneys from the Oregon Department of Corrections: As the Oregon Department of Corrections (DOC) brings back in-person professional visits for adults in custody, we want to clarify these visits will only occur in Facilities that do not have current, originating cases of COVID-19 – Tier 1 facilities only. Current information on tier status and definitions of each tier can be found on DOC's COVID-19 Response webpage and Tracking Tool. Other guidelines around professional visits are outlined here.
First Special Session of 2020:
The First Special Session of 2020 ran from June 24, 2020 through June 26, 2020. During the course of the session, the legislature passed bills addressing COVID-19, police accountability, forestry, residential and commercial evictions, the Indian Child Welfare Act, rural broadband, and many other issues. Included in the package were legislative concepts of particular interest to the bar such as the Chief Justice’s authority to extend deadlines, the extension of statutory deadlines, and remote online notarization. For a full list of bills, archived videos, and information on the joint special committee, please visit the Oregon Legislature’s website.
Judicial Proceeding Extension, Electronic Appearances, and Remote Online Notarization:
HB 4212, an omnibus bill addressing the COVID-19 pandemic, was signed by the Governor on June 30, 2020. Among other issues, the bill provided the Oregon Judicial Department with greater authority in certain circumstances to extend statutory deadlines, both civil and criminal, if the COVID-19 emergency delayed court proceedings. In addition, it extended pre-filing statutory timelines for specific cases. The bill also authorized a pilot project to allow for remote online notarization. To find the statutory language of the three concepts, go to the following sections:
HB 4212 went into effect on June 30, 2020. Issue-specific effective dates and end dates are included within the text of the bill.
Landlord/Tenant:
House Bills 4204 and 4213 went into effect on June 30, 2020, during the Oregon Legislature’s First Special Session of 2020.
The House Bills above replace the following Executive Orders, which sunset on June 30, 2020.
Family Law:
Oregon’s Statewide Family Law Advisory Committee (SFLAC) offers Guidelines for Parents During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Fastcase has created a COVID-19 resources hub
Law360 is tracking court closures nationally, and has opened its site to all visitors.
Lawsitesblog provides a list of resources and special offers to support law practice.